Names of Rivers in Greece

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Greece contains 21 major rivers that spawn additional tributaries. Many of the rivers, which often originate in other countries, are shallow and turbulent, making them difficult or impossible to navigate by boat. However, the ecosystems established next to the rivers and their estuaries, as well as cultural events in the towns surrounding them, show these rivers are still an important part of the country’s geography.

Aliakmonas

The Aliakmonas is the longest river that originates in Greece, rising from Mount Grammos and spanning 185 miles throughout the country. It spawns six tributaries and flows in a southeasterly fashion, eventually making its way into the Thermaikos Gulf. During the rainy season, the Aliakmonas often floods extensively, earning it the nickname “Lolopotamos,” which translates to “crazy river.” The river is a wetland habitat with 30 species of fish, some of which are considered rare, such as the pachychilon madeconicum, as it is the only place the fish lives in the world.

Acheloos

The second-longest river in Greece is the Acheloos River, sometimes spelled Achelous, running just over 136 miles. It’s often referred to as Aspropotamos, which translates to “white river,” due to the pale white color it takes on as it crosses through the clay riverbeds in Pindus. Acheloos begins its journey in Mount Lakmos and flows into the Ionian Sea. The river is named after the river god, Achelous, often represented as the god of freshwater in general. The Acheloos has spawned many riverside cultures, indicated by the archaeological remains found nearby.

Pineiós

Located in Thessaly, the Pineiós takes its name from the god Peneus, though it was known during the 11th century as the Salambria River. The river originated in the Pindus Mountains and flows 127 miles before emptying into the Aegean Sea, where it creates a delta that is home a variety of animal species, including at least 225 bird species, and protected by international environmental treaties, including the Ramsar Convention.

Maritsa

The Maritsa River begins in Bulgaria, where it runs east and southeast for 170 miles. It then forms the Grecian border for 10 miles, then flows 115 miles through Greece, winding its way to the Aegean Sea. The drainage basin is expansive, taking up 20,000 square miles, and the river spawns four major tributaries. The river is important for its fertile soils, which support an agriculture community that exports fruits and vegetables.

Additional Rivers

Greece has many other rivers within its boundries, including the Evros River, which originates in Bulgaria and runs approximately 128 miles in Greece. Other rivers including the Nestos, which runs for 80 miles in the country's borders, and the Strymonas, flowing for 73 miles in Greece.

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